Spin-density-wave transition of (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$ at high magnetic fields

Abstract

The transverse magnetoresistance of the Bechgaard salt (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$ has been measured for various pressures, with the field up to 24 T parallel to the lowest conductivity direction c$^{\ast}$. A quadratic behavior is observed in the magnetic field dependence of the spin-density-wave (SDW) transition temperature $T_{\rm {SDW}}$. With increasing pressure, $T_{\rm {SDW}}$ decreases and the coefficient of the quadratic term increases. These results are consistent with the prediction of the mean-field theory based on the nesting of the quasi one-dimensional Fermi surface. Using a mean field theory, $T_{\rm {SDW}}$ for the perfect nesting case is estimated as about 16 K. This means that even at ambient pressure where $T_{\rm {SDW}}$ is 12 K, the SDW phase of (TMTSF)$_2$PF$_6$ is substantially suppressed by the two-dimensionality of the system.